Quantitative evaluation of drain flow in lipoabdominoplasty - a comparative study

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The importance of Scarpa’s fascia in reducing both skin suture tension and seroma is a subject of great discussion in lipoabdominoplasty. This study evaluates drain flow in lipoabdominoplasty, with and without preservation of Scarpa’s fascia, on postoperative days 1º, 3º, 5º, and 7º.

Methods:

This was a prospective, randomized, and serial study of 24 patients who underwent lipoabdominoplasty; procedures performed by seven different surgeons (residents) were evaluated between August and December 2013. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether Scarpa’s fascia was preserved or removed. Drain flow was evaluated on postoperative days 1º, 3º, 5º, and 7º, and complications were assessed in the two groups.

Results:

Three patients developed epitheliosis on the umbilical scar, and two were smokers. There was less fluid drainage in Group 1 patients compared to Group 2, and this was less significant on postoperative day 1. One patient in Group 2 developed a seroma (40 ml), which was aspirated with a syringe on postoperative day 10, with no recurrence.

Conclusion:

Lipoabdominoplasty with Scarpa’s fascia preservation resulted in reduced serosanguinous drainage, both when taken as a whole (182.09ml less for the seven day total), or measured daily.

Keywords:
Lipoabdominoplasty; Abdominoplasty; Liposuction; Seroma